About

Open-Rank Faculty Position in Environmental Sciences

Date Posted: 09/18/09

Description:

Soka University of America (SUA) seeks an Environmental Scientist to join its new interdisciplinary Environmental Studies program. This opening may be filled by candidates from diverse backgrounds or specialties within the environmental sciences, including but not limited to Landscape Ecology, Restoration Ecology, Environmental Geology, Atmospheric Sciences, or Geography. The successful candidate should have experience in student-centered learning and an interest in preparing undergraduate students to be life-long learners. The applicant should also demonstrate an ability to develop a productive research program at SUA and have a commitment to developing a program of undergraduate student-faculty research. Preference will be given to candidates with a broad, multidisciplinary approach to the study of human / environment interactions.

The successful applicant will hold a Ph.D. in an appropriate area, yet be versatile enough to teach courses outside his/her areas of specialization. All faculty members are expected to teach one or more courses in the interdisciplinary general studies program. In addition, the candidate will teach an introductory level course in their area and develop appropriate upper division courses in the environmental studies curriculum. Courses to be taught might include introductory biology, general ecology, landscape ecology, restoration ecology, sustainability, ecological design and statistics, GIS, environmental analysis and assessment, introductory earth sciences, soil science, environmental geology, geomorphology, atmospheric science, global climate change, urban and regional geography, geological field methods or other courses according to the applicants' background and expertise. This is an open-rank, full-time tenure-track faculty position, beginning in mid-August, 2010.

Soka University of America is a selective four-year institution offering a challenging program in the liberal arts with a focus on the Pacific Rim. The university is committed to a vision of an integrated inter- or multidisciplinary approach to education. The university aims to foster close intellectual relations between faculty members and students by encouraging faculty mentorship. An appreciation of the centrality of peace, freedom and human rights to the happiness of the individual and the world provides the founding impetus for the university and its mission.

Qualifications:

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in an appropriate area, yet be versatile enough to teach courses outside his/her areas of specialization, and have demonstrated excellence in teaching and research.

Benefits / Salary:

Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience. All regular faculty members are eligible for full medical, dental and retirement benefits.

Deadline for applications:

Applications will be reviewed beginning November 15, 2009, but will stay open until filled. Applicants should send a letter of application, curriculum vitae, unofficial transcripts, a one-page statement of teaching philosophy, a one-page statement of research interest, evidence of teaching effectiveness, and arrange for three letters of reference to be sent directly from referees to: